G5 Literary-Analysis
G5 Literary-Analysis
G5 Literary-Analysis
ALIJAH T. GUISONA
JUNE 2024
I. Introduction
The 2014 film "She's Dating the Gangster," directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina
Bernardino's popular Filipino Wattpad novel with the same title. This cinematic work
delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the turbulent journey of life, capturing the
At its core, the story follows the complex relationship between Athena Dizon,
who has a chronic heart disease and the notorious gangster, Kenji Delos Reyes.
With their fake relationship, this explores how this situation creates bond that evolves
love. It also shows how it delves characters in varieties of moments before stepping
to adulthood. Additionally, the feelings that formed later on create problems that
The film's portrayal of relationships and loyalty within the context of Filipino
culture raises questions about how these dynamics reflect or challenge societal
norms. By peeling back, the layers of the narrative, this analysis seeks to understand
how the film mirrors the real-life experiences of individuals grappling with love and
The characters' indulgence with each other offers certain issues that reflect
society's norms and expectations. The cliche type of story where the rich man falls in
love with a poor girl reveals different status in society with insights that love has no
status. Furthermore, society's issues about love in terms of sacrifices and loyalty
when becomes too attached did exist in real world and can be petrifying. This love
can be a bigger problem that affects life of the characters involved and the people
This analysis give significance that lies in its potential to reveal deeper
insights into the Filipino sociocultural landscape. By examining the film through a
uncertainties and risks. This can offer varieties of reasons why too much can be
dangerous and too less can be hopeless. With the opening of sensitive topics in
terms of love and loyalty involving life's edge, this can be a cultural-reset to lighten
society on how can this be a one-step-way for the sociological betterment. This
exploration is essential not only for understanding the film itself but also for gaining a
Philippines.
This literary analysis seeks to explore the intricate layers of narrative and
character development within the film, aiming to uncover deeper meanings and
2. What insights does the film offer with the intersection to societal norms or
expectations?
3. In what ways does the story reflect the human experience of navigating through
The film “She’s Dating the Gangster” portray social life of the characters that
reflects social life of the society. It presents frequent societal issues, norms, or
standards replenish characters identity towards reality. To better understand the film
behind its lenses, A Literary Analysis of Sociological Approach was used. This
approach is used to find the meaning of literary works that is somehow related to
social life; how you behave and rebuild with the flowing societal standards instilled to
everyone. It concerns the relationship between the characters and the society that
This chapter contains the concepts that will help readers familiarize important
and similar knowledge related to the current research. Particularly, this chapter
discusses studies and literature related to the plot of the movie “She’s Dating the
relationships.
TEENAGE LOVE
Experiencing love is a profound emotional event at any stage of life. However,
during adolescence, when emotions are heightened and these experiences are
phenomenon is vividly illustrated in the movie "She's Dating the Gangster," where
the characters Kenji and Athena navigate the tumultuous highs and lows of young
instructive, fulfilling, and valuable, regardless of their longevity (Ebran, 2024). This is
illustrated in the film, their relationship not only shapes their personal growth but also
leaves a lasting impact, highlighting the meaningful and instructive nature of young
love. Teenage love can also be beneficial, providing motivation and support during
challenging times (Seaton, 2019). This concept is illustrated where Athena uses
Kenji's love as a source of strength to battle her illness, ultimately helping her to live
longer.
early romances themselves. This does not necessarily undermine their ability to
guide their children effectively; rather, their own experiences and lessons learned
from past struggles can be utilized to educate their children about romantic
relationships. This dynamic is mirrored in the character of Athena's mother, who had
her own youthful romance, imparts valuable insights and guidance to Athena as she
navigates her own relationship (Cabello, 2015). Young love doesn't always end well
and can result in breakups. These breakups can shake a person's sense of identity,
especially in relationships where the personalities of the couple have become deeply
intertwined (Zinampan, 2019). This theme is poignantly portrayed in the film, where
Athena, despite never loving anyone else after Kenji, finds solace in his presence
during her final moments, highlighting the enduring impact of their youthful
relationship.
LOYALTY
relationship. However, they may lack the life experience or wisdom to consistently
maintain this loyalty and remain faithful to their partners (The University of
reflecting the challenges faced by many young couples. The concept of loyalty is not
typically linked with being single. Some individuals are content with not being in a
and have remained faithful to their previous partners (Travers, 2024). This sentiment
is echoed in the film, where Athena remains single until her death because Kenji is
the only one, she truly loved, demonstrating a profound sense of loyalty to him.
Love Complexity
Evidence from history, culture, and evolution indicates the presence of love in
ancient times and across diverse regions worldwide. Studies have identified romantic
love in 147 out of 166 cultures, underscoring its universal presence and importance
in human societies. (SBC News, 2023). Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion
passionate love, we begin to unravel the depths of human emotion (Arora, 2023).
across different relationships and stages of life. For instance, the initial stages of
romantic love often involve intense feelings of passion and attraction, typically driven
initial feelings often evolve into deeper, more enduring forms of love characterized by
passionate to compassionate love highlights the dynamic nature of love and its
to social and economic considerations. The concept of love also varies within
cultures, influenced by social norms, values, and traditions (Ucik, 2021). The diverse
perspectives on love illustrate its complexity and the myriad factors that contribute to
its expression, reinforcing the idea that love is not a monolithic experience but a
elements.
V. Results and Discussion
A beloved Filipino movie, "She's Dating the Gangster," explores the diversities
The film offers a contemplative examination of the difficulties of love and loyalty
against a cultural backdrop that combines modernity and enduring traditions, with a
focus on the developing romance between Athena and Kenji. Insights into societal
norms, the portrayal of Filipino society, and the universal human experience of
"She's Dating the Gangster" offers a lens into contemporary Filipino society by
exploring the complex dynamics of relationships and loyalty. The film highlights how
familial and societal expectations shape these aspects, emphasizing Filipino values
Kenji's conflict between his past love and current responsibilities exemplifies the
The film also provides insights into the clash between societal norms and
personal aspirations. Athena and Kenji's relationship begins under false pretenses,
becomes genuine, the film poignantly examines the tension between seeking
personal happiness and gaining societal approval. This narrative mirrors the broader
societal challenge of balancing traditional roles with modern desires for personal
loyalty. Kenji's relentless devotion to his first love, despite the challenges it brings,
and Athena's unwavering support in the face of societal judgment, highlight the
unpredictable nature and risks associated with following one's heart. Their story
exemplifies the courage and vulnerability needed to confront life's obstacles, making
their experiences deeply relatable and emotionally resonant for the audience.
VI. Conclusion
characters, the film vividly captures the courage and resilience required to navigate
life's uncertainties while seeking happiness and fulfillment. The story emphasizes the
experience.
Teenage love is more crucial than it is. It is a tremendous concept that leaves
impact to partners experiencing it. Since this is defined as a an intensity stage of life,
this is also often redefined as a lack of experience. Peeling back to the story of Kenji
and Athena, their story represents love and loyalty in the midst of highs and lows.
Kenji who was in a recent break-up found love through faking relationship and
Athena who used that love to fight her illness and lived longer. However, statistics
shows that fewer than 2% marry their high school lover (Staff, 2024). Factors may
affects such as break-ups and other worst scenarios. This results highlighted that the
story is a no exception despite their love and loyalty towards each other. Regardless
of this tragic love story, it highlights the personal development as it grows older
(Seaton & Seaton, 2021), as Kenji becomes a loving father and Athena having long
contemporary Filipino especially teenagers and their behaviors towards society. This
that this shouldn’t be practiced because it’s not everyone’s responsibility to be debt
and to satisfy others. Kenji’s gratitude towards his ex’s family made him sacrifice and
break the love he cherish despite the undergoing relationship. This is one of a
hindrance that can cause backdrop to the concept of love as a form of loyalty.
unexpectedly (Arceña, 2023). This can cause to inspire, motivate, and even made us
do things that we don’t think we are capable of. It is normal to experience this
especially in teenage life, yet its crucial. Therefore, enough guidance with the
parents can lessen the hindrance it may caused and can break societal standards
VII. References
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last/
Oyetunji, O. (2022, March 11). The complexities of love. Retrieved from Medium:
https://medium.com/what-is-love-to-you/the-complexities-of-love-
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Panta Rhai. (2023, September 12). The Complexity of Romantic Love in the
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postmodern-age
SBC News. (2023). Complexities of love: here's the science behind the emotion.
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science-behind-the-emotion/nl73xwbcc
Seaton, J. (2019, August 19). The Science Behind Teenage Relationships: A Teen’s
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teen-dating/teenage-relationship-science
Seaton, J., & Seaton, J. (2021, April 16). The Science Behind Teenage
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Staff, N. A. (2024, February 26). Teenage love and relationships: What parents can
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The University of Queensland. (2023, January 17). Couple goals vs toxic love: what
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Travers, J. (2024). Single and Faithful. Retrieved from Life Hope and Truth:
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Weinstein, T. (2024, February 16). Teenage Love and Relationships: What Parents
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